Feasibility perceptions and nascent entrepreneurial effort: the self-regulatory role of goal commitment

Purpose This study aims to determine how personal and environmental factors reflecting feasibility (entrepreneurial self-efficacy and perceived financial support, respectively) influence the effort made by nascent entrepreneurs in the process of venture gestation. Moreover, it explores the mediating role of goal commitment, defined here as the level of determination to achieve the objective of creating a new venture. Design/methodology/approach Based on a sample of 151 successful nascent entrepreneurs from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED II), this study first analyzes the role of the two types of feasibility perceptions and goal commitment as antecedents of nascent entrepreneurial efforts. Second, the indirect effect of perceived feasibility through goal commitment on these efforts is explored. Findings The results show that goal commitment directly affects nascent entrepreneurs' entrepreneurial effort. At the same time, self-efficacy influences effort indirectly through goal commitment, suggesting its self-regulatory role. These results contribute to a better understanding of the cognitive mechanisms supporting entrepreneurial effort in nascent entrepreneurs who have completed the venture creation process. Practical implications These findings can be valuable for designing programs and policies that promote economic growth through entrepreneurship and new venture creation by providing key insights into the importance of self-efficacy and determination in sustaining efforts during start-up processes. Originality/value This study introduces a new approach to understanding nascent entrepreneurial effort by examining the effect of feasibility perceptions through the mediating role of goal commitment.